• '''Remembering Your Hotel Room''': That may seem like a funny idea but it's true. If you plan on going out, having fun and possibly drinking too much, it's very easy to forget what hotel you're staying in, much less what room number. A couple tips are to prepare blank business cards that you can scribble your hotel, room number and contact information of someone you're hanging out with, in case you get separated. You can hand it to a taxi cab and they'll take you back home. Just be careful not to lose the cards or let someone you don't want knowing where you staying get a look at them.<br>

• '''Remembering Your Hotel Room''': That may seem like a funny idea but it's true. If you plan on going out, having fun and possibly drinking too much, it's very easy to forget what hotel you're staying in, much less what room number. A couple tips are to prepare blank business cards that you can scribble your hotel, room number and contact information of someone you're hanging out with, in case you get separated. You can hand it to a taxi cab and they'll take you back home. Just be careful not to lose the cards or let someone you don't want knowing where you staying get a look at them.<br>

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• '''Keeping Your Belongings Safe''': Don't plan on taking your incredibly expensive designer handbag with you to the clubs, there is ''no where'' to keep them. Even if you have some friends who say they'll watch it, chances are it'll still get snatched. Bring a wristlet or compact wallet that you can hide on your person so that it's small enough to keep on you and not to be annoying while dancing.<br>

+

• '''Keeping Your Belongings Safe''': Don't plan on taking your incredibly expensive designer handbag with you to the clubs, there is ''no where'' to keep them. Even if you have some friends who say they'll watch it, chances are it'll still get snatched. Bring a wristlet or compact wallet that you can hide on your person so that it's big enough to have what you need to get around but small enough to keep on you and not be annoying while dancing.<br>

• '''Stay in Public Areas and Avoid Alleys''': That's kind of a given but some bars, especially downtown, can be in not so nice areas if you wander off. Make sure you stay in populated, public areas with people you know and avoid any place or person that looks shady. <br>

• '''Stay in Public Areas and Avoid Alleys''': That's kind of a given but some bars, especially downtown, can be in not so nice areas if you wander off. Make sure you stay in populated, public areas with people you know and avoid any place or person that looks shady. <br>

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o There's also Hangover Heaven, another company dedicated to curing your hangover. On top of their brick and mortar location by the Wynn they have a decked out travel bus that works on the weekends in various locations if you need to stop by for a pick me up. You can buy the "supplements" yourself if you don't want to pay for the service fees too. Check out their site for full info and details: http://www.hangoverheaven.com/ <br>

o There's also Hangover Heaven, another company dedicated to curing your hangover. On top of their brick and mortar location by the Wynn they have a decked out travel bus that works on the weekends in various locations if you need to stop by for a pick me up. You can buy the "supplements" yourself if you don't want to pay for the service fees too. Check out their site for full info and details: http://www.hangoverheaven.com/ <br>

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• '''Card Flappers''': I'm not sure what the they're actually called but there are people all along the Strip that flap cards in your face advertising adult services. The advertising is crude and the flappers will try to get you to grab their cards but if you keep your hands in your pocket and ignore them, they're harmless. It can be a little overwhelming having porn like flyers in your path a lot of the time but just keep to yourself and you'll be fine.

+

• '''Card Flappers''': I'm not sure what they're actually called but there are people all along the Strip that flap cards in your face advertising adult services. The advertising is crude and the flappers will try to get you to grab their cards but if you keep your hands in your pocket and ignore them, they're harmless, just a bit annoying.

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• '''Street Entertainers''': For some reason street performers have become popular in the last couple years. People that dress as characters in full outfits like Elmo or Buzz Lightyear (although many look like they've had a few too many drinks). You'll see them scattered along the Strip and Downtown, sometimes doing actual performances like break dancing or juggling and some just stand around taking candid photos with tourists. Be aware that if you do engage with them they're expecting a tip, even if you're just taking a photo in passing. They're usually harmless enough but if you feel uncomfortable just step away from the area and it's no big deal.

+

• '''Street Entertainers''': For some reason street performers have become popular in the last couple years. People that dress as characters in full outfits like Elmo or Buzz Lightyear (although many look like they've had a few too many drinks). You'll see them scattered along the Strip and Downtown, sometimes doing actual performances like break dancing or juggling and some just stand around taking candid photos with tourists. Be aware that if you do engage with them they're expecting a tip, even if you're just taking a photo in passing. They're usually harmless enough but if you feel uncomfortable just keep to yourself and walk away from the area.

Revision as of 18:43, 27 November 2013

Here are some tips on what to expect when you visit Las Vegas based on experience from us Vegas locals:

Making the Most of Your Budget

• Hotels: though it is convenient to book a block hotel, there are plenty of other options on the Strip for much cheaper. True, nothing fancy but if you're working on a budget then a $50-$80 a night hotel vs. $150-$200 a night, it looks pretty appealing. They might be towards to end of either side of the Strip but the price might be worth the distance. Just make sure you book ASAP. Here are some suggestions to look at based on lower rates for that week:

• Flights: Book early. That's really the biggest money saver and most obvious but I know it's hard when you don't know if you'll get approved for admin leave or funding but the earlier you can book your flight, the better. Spirit Airlines, although not the greatest airline out there, they do have the cheapest flights. For example, I've flown to Chicago twice for $90 round trip. You have to pack efficiently (everything in a backpack, no suitcases), print your boarding pass at home (more for your own convenience) and the seats aren't very comfortable but for $80 a flight I'll put up with a lot less. Check http://www.spirit.com to see if there's a flight from your city to ours.

o There is also an amazing albeit fattening way to eat all the food you want all day for $50+tax. It's called the Buffet of Buffets pass and with it you get into seven of Vegas' top buffets for a full 24 hours. If you planned it right, eating at a quality buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner for only $50 is an excellent deal although you may gain a few pounds in between. For more info check out the link: http://www.vegas.com/promotions/buffet/buffet_ad.html

• Drinks: The easiest way to get cheap drinks? Gamble! Cocktail waitresses will bring around drinks the entire time you're gambling for absolutely free whether you're playing high stakes poker or the penny slots. You just have to be sure to tip them a buck each time or they'll suddenly disappear but otherwise the drinks will keep on comin'. Just be careful not to get too tipsy and gamble away your life's savings!

o There are cheap drinks and food options at happy hours at the restaurants around town as well. Every place has their own happy hour slots so you'll have to call around to see but generally it's between 3-5. Some restaurants even have midnight or late night specials which include cheap food and drinks. This website populates happy hour and late night locations based on zip codes, names of the place or keywords. Unfortunately though you can't sort by price or area but you can click on the place you're interested in for full details: http://www.lasvegashappyhour.net/

• Entertainment: Looking to see a fabulous Vegas show like Cirque du Soleil, Jersey Boys or the Blue Man Group but don't want to pay full price? Then check out http://www.tix4tonight.com where you can find tickets for half off! Most venues don't like to have empty seats in the crowd so to fill up space, that same day they'll sell tickets through this company for half the regular price. The catch is you can only buy the left over tickets that are available for that night specifically and you won't know what they'll have until that same day. You purchase tickets at the various booths around the Strip and they can tell you exactly what they have on sale for the day. There's a location at the Fashion Show Mall, Planet Hollywood, Circus Circus, Bally's, M&M World and Town Square. Check the website for more info.

• Las Vegas Monorail: The Monorail has several hotels on its route if you're trying to get all around the Strip. Here's their website with route info, times, prices and more: http://www.lvmonorail.com/

• Taxi Cabs: Cabbies are convenient and plentiful but they can be rather pricey depending on where you need to go. They have also been known to take tourists on the "scenic route" aka the long way around to make more on the ride so we recommend if you have a smart phone, looking up the route on Google Maps or a GPS device to tell them which way you'd like to take. Here's a list of taxi cab companies from Yelp although the reviews are iffy but I'd assume mostly irate patrons actually rate cabbies. If you're on the Strip or Downtown though, not finding a cab is pretty much impossible. Every hotel will have a taxi line for you to grab one if you need it.

• Airport Shuttles: There are several airport shuttle services from McCarran Airport. These are a good idea if there's a group of you and it's usually cheaper than a cab. They only to go and from the airport though. If you're looking for a ride from your hotel back to McCarran, check with the company first to see if they're able to pick you up. Here's the shuttle service list from Yelp.

• Car Rentals: Renting a car is a good option if you can afford it for the weekend. There are some decently rated ones on Yelp's list of rental places.

• Limo Services: If you're planning a big night out with a bunch of friends you might want to consider renting a limo for the occasion. What better way to get from place to place than cruising in style down the Strip? Limo services will not only pick you up and drop you off wherever you need to go but will wait for you while you hop from restaurant to bar to club to back to your hotel. True, it's pricier but if you've got ten people willing to split the bill, it's pretty reasonable and usually includes drinks in the limo. Check out the list of services on Yelp.

• Public Transportation: The CAT (City Area Transit) Bus is our only mode of public transportation really. You can check out Las Vegas's route schedule and map for the fastest way to get to your destination using Las Vegas's public transportation. Check out the Transit Map to see where public transportation can take you, and use the Transit Stop Locator to find the nearest bus stop. On a tight schedule? Text RideRTC to find out when the next will arrive at your stop. The CAT bus is not as reliable as we'd like it to be though so plan to be early to the stops, just in case.

Handling the Weather

• Stay Hydrated: This is probably the most important and least realized fact about visiting Vegas. Keep water on you or make sure you have easy access to water while you're out because it is very easy to become fatigued while walking around under the blazing sun in 115 degree weather.

• Wear Sun Screen: Even if you think you don't burn easily, the desert sun can be brutal to your skin and before you realize it, you're a burnt tomato.

• Umbrellas Are Fashionable: Sort of. Don't worry, lots of tourists use them so you won't stand out plus you can get some really cute ones to accessorize.

• Avoid Walking During the Day: Try to travel by vehicle throughout the day and leave walking to after the sun sets. Vegas lights and shows are best after dark anyway.

• Allergies and Nose and Skin Sensitivities: If you're from a humid area or have allergies, you will probably have trouble breathing in our dry, desert air. We recommend bringing saline nasal sprays and using them several times a day, even a day or two before you get here so you won't have issues while you're here. Moisturize too! Your skin will get ridiculously dry here so use lots of lotion. Trust us, better safe than sorry.

Staying Safe and Random Tidbits

• Remembering Your Hotel Room: That may seem like a funny idea but it's true. If you plan on going out, having fun and possibly drinking too much, it's very easy to forget what hotel you're staying in, much less what room number. A couple tips are to prepare blank business cards that you can scribble your hotel, room number and contact information of someone you're hanging out with, in case you get separated. You can hand it to a taxi cab and they'll take you back home. Just be careful not to lose the cards or let someone you don't want knowing where you staying get a look at them.

• Keeping Your Belongings Safe: Don't plan on taking your incredibly expensive designer handbag with you to the clubs, there is no where to keep them. Even if you have some friends who say they'll watch it, chances are it'll still get snatched. Bring a wristlet or compact wallet that you can hide on your person so that it's big enough to have what you need to get around but small enough to keep on you and not be annoying while dancing.

• Stay in Public Areas and Avoid Alleys: That's kind of a given but some bars, especially downtown, can be in not so nice areas if you wander off. Make sure you stay in populated, public areas with people you know and avoid any place or person that looks shady.

• Don't Wear Heels While Walking Around Town! Yes, you'll look great but you will hate your life afterwards. If anything, bring a pair of flats in your purse that you can swap out while walking. There's actually a brilliant group of women who invested in vending machines in night clubs that sell ballerina flats. Needless to say they are now multi-millionaires.

• Cure for Hangovers? IV Drips: Also a weird concept but because we're a 24 hour town and our work shifts can be any time of the day, if you've had a crazy night and need to be sober for work in the morning, you can get hooked to an IV saline drip to rehydrate and be good to go afterwards. The MGM Grand actually has a Wellness Spa open 9 a.m. to midnight every day of the week and will make room calls if you're staying in the hotel, see their website for more info: http://revivme.com/.

o There's also Hangover Heaven, another company dedicated to curing your hangover. On top of their brick and mortar location by the Wynn they have a decked out travel bus that works on the weekends in various locations if you need to stop by for a pick me up. You can buy the "supplements" yourself if you don't want to pay for the service fees too. Check out their site for full info and details: http://www.hangoverheaven.com/

• Card Flappers: I'm not sure what they're actually called but there are people all along the Strip that flap cards in your face advertising adult services. The advertising is crude and the flappers will try to get you to grab their cards but if you keep your hands in your pocket and ignore them, they're harmless, just a bit annoying.

• Street Entertainers: For some reason street performers have become popular in the last couple years. People that dress as characters in full outfits like Elmo or Buzz Lightyear (although many look like they've had a few too many drinks). You'll see them scattered along the Strip and Downtown, sometimes doing actual performances like break dancing or juggling and some just stand around taking candid photos with tourists. Be aware that if you do engage with them they're expecting a tip, even if you're just taking a photo in passing. They're usually harmless enough but if you feel uncomfortable just keep to yourself and walk away from the area.